WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, has raised significant concerns regarding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed tax on natural gas producers. Senator Capito’s letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan outlines the impact of this tax being implemented as part of the Democrats’ “Inflation Reduction Act,” which she describes as harmful to American energy workers and employers.
In her letter, Senator Capito criticizes the EPA for the implementation delay of the natural gas tax, stating, “oil and gas operators have expressed legitimate frustration that they are in the unenviable position of trying to guess financial liability for 2024.” She also highlights the negative effects of the EPA’s policies on investments in natural gas, which has played a significant role in reducing American greenhouse gas emissions.
Senator Capito points out several issues with the EPA’s proposed regulations, including the inaccurate reporting requirements for natural gas tax, the inclusion of small and independent operators in the tax, and the disregard for allowing aggregation of emissions among facilities of common ownership or control. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these shortcomings in the implementation of the natural gas tax.
The Senator’s letter concludes with a request for the EPA to consider and rectify these issues, ensuring that the natural gas tax is implemented in a fair and accurate manner. Senator Capito’s detailed critique of the EPA’s actions reflects her commitment to protecting American energy interests amidst ongoing regulatory challenges.
